Maroon Gray out to make up for lost time

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Queensland back-rower Tazmin Gray is determined to make up for lost time after the birth of her second child ruled her out of playing in the Rugby League World Cup in 2017 and a contract in the women's elite top 40 squad.

Gray, the sister of New Zealand Test winger Jordan Rapana, has the task of going toe-to-toe with NSW star Kezie Apps on Friday night in the Holden women's State of Origin clash at North Sydney Oval.

But if things panned out differently last season, the pair could have been Jillaroos teammates at an international level.

Gray was in the World Cup squad and destined to pull on a green and gold jersey when the 22-year-old realised she was pregnant unexpectedly.

While declaring she wouldn't trade the birth of daughter Kyan for the world, Gray struggled and switched off rugby league last year as her teammates went on to lift women's rugby league's greatest prize.

"The way I found out was a surprise for me, being in the World Cup squad then falling pregnant, it took me out of contention for a spot immediately," Gray told NRL.com.

"I fell into a rough mental state. I've had my downs but am extremely grateful for the journey I have been on and the role footy plays in my life."

Which is why Gray is ready to get back on the paddock and rise back up the pecking order.

But her first steps hit an immediate hurdle.

Her husband Anthony registered her for the Talent ID day last month, as neither were sure what pathway she had to make a return through.

"I didn't really know the way I had to come back, mentally off the field it was real hard to know where I fit in," Gray said.

"I went from going somewhere with footy and being in the Jillaroos squad to straight back to the bottom in the space of 12 months. I had to get my head around where I was placed with teams and coaches.